Former P.O.W. and World War II, U.S. Army veteran, Mr. Glenn Edward Cleland, 95, of Rochester, passed away at 12:06 a.m Wednesday, June 8, 2016, at Woodlawn Hospital.

On Dec. 3, 1920, Glenn was born at home west of Rochester on Indiana 14. He was the treasured son of Herman and Readah Baldwin Cleland. As a teenager he developed a strong work ethic, working on the Otto McMahan Farm from age 14 years old until he was 22. With great Zebra pride he graduated from Rochester High School in 1939.

Patriotism beckoned and Glenn answered the call serving with the U.S. Army during WW II. A member of the 12th armored division, he was captured and imprisoned at Herrlisheim, France, on January 18, 1945. In a time span of 109 days SGT Cleland served time in five prison camps – Baden-Baden, Ludwigsburg, Hammelsburg, Nuremburg and Moosburg. A “Hellcat,” and sharpshooting heavy machine gunner, he was highly decorated with two coveted bronze stars

Glenn and Donna E. Castleman were married Nov. 29, 1947, at the Burton Church, near Rochester. Together they enjoyed more than 55 years of life’s adventures. Sadly she passed away on Sept. 7, 2003.

Re-entering the local workforce, Glenn began employment with McMahan – O’Connor Construction Company on October 14, 1947. He was a dedicated dispatcher for more than three decades. On December 20, 1985, he retired following 38 years of service. He was a loyal member of the Burton United Methodist Church, Grace United Methodist Church, the 12th Armored Division Association, Dis-Abled Veterans Association, a life member of the American Ex-POW’s, the Leroy Shelton American Legion Post # 36, Manitou VFW Post # 1343.

In his younger years Glenn umpired little league baseball, enjoyed attending his children’s athletic activities, school programs and oversaw their 4-H projects. He was an avid bowler, once bowling an amazing 276 as his high score. He also liked to golf.

Donna and Glenn enjoyed wintering in Bradenton, Fla., for over 25 years. They also annually planted a huge truck patch garden and froze and canned the bountiful harvest. He loved collecting antiques, milk bottles, post cards and Fostoria crystal. He visited many antique stores and flea markets in search of special treasures.

Left to cherish Glenn’s memory are a daughter, Linda Morris and husband Lynn of Goshen; two sons: John Cleland and wife Judy of Indianapolis; and Larry Murfitt and wife Judy of West Point; special friend, Elsie Long; seven grandchildren: T.J. Murfitt, Jamie Murfitt Clifton, Krista Morris Lehman, Kurt Morris, Christopher Cleland, Brice Cleland, Cecilia Cleland; and 8 great grandchildren.

Preceding Glenn in death are his parents and wife.

A celebration of the life of  Mr. Glenn E. Cleland will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 13, in the Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester with Pastor Kerry O’Brien officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 1-4 p.m. Sunday and one hour prior to the service in the funeral home.

Military rites will be conducted by the Fulton County Honor Guard and the US Army  Military Rites Team. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 201 W. 7th St., Rochester, IN 46975, or to the Fulton County Cancer Fund through the Northern Indiana Community Foundation, 715 Main St., Rochester, IN 46975.